Simon Mignolet Prepared To Fight For His Liverpool Place

Belgium international Simon Mignolet has said that he is prepared to fight for his Liverpool future. The 30-year-old has been playing second fiddle to Loris Karius for most of the second half of the season, and he is still optimistic of proving himself to manager Jurgen Klopp.

Speaking in a press conference, Mignolet admitted that it is not a good situation to be in ahead of the World, but he is prepared to work hard in training to reclaim the number one role, he said: “Always the only thing you try to do is prove every time in training you are ready for when the chance comes along. It is never easy of course because I have never in my career spent time on the bench, but it is how it is and the only thing you can do is try to change it, but it is never easy. I’ve had a few conversations with the manager already and we have spoken about numerous things. You always have to be ready for when the chance comes along.”

Klopp has always been supportive of his shot-stoppers during his time at Anfield, but he has publicly stated that Karius is the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the season. Mignolet may have spoken positively on international duty, but back in his mind, he will be aware that the club are likely to pursue a fresh competitor in the summer.

Roma’s Alisson Becker has been strongly associated with a move to Merseyside, but the deal may depend on whether the Reds are prepared to pay a record fee for a keeper. Should a new signing come in, Mignolet is probably the leading contender to leave the Reds with Newcastle United deemed favourites to acquire his signature.

Mignolet is expected to start for Belgium against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night with Thibaut Courtois having returned to Chelsea, after failing to recover completely from a hamstring problem.